Monkeypox case confirmed in India: Here’s all you need to know about it:
A case of the Mpox (Monkeypox) virus has been confirmed in India, with laboratory testing verifying the presence of the West African clade 2 virus. The patient, a young male who recently traveled from a country experiencing Mpox transmission, is currently isolated at a designated care facility. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the individual is stable and does not have any underlying health conditions.
To manage the situation, the Health Ministry has activated public health measures, including contact tracing and monitoring. The Ministry assured that there is no widespread threat to the public and that healthcare workers are following established protocols for identification, testing, and treatment.
What is Monkeypox (Mpox)?
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, belonging to the same family of viruses as smallpox, though it is less severe. It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has since appeared in other African countries. Over recent years, outbreaks have occurred in countries outside Africa due to international travel.
Symptoms and Transmission
The disease primarily spreads through close contact with an infected individual or contaminated materials like bedding or clothing. Mpox can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. During the current outbreak, most reported cases have occurred in young males, with the most common mode of transmission being sexual contact. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that can appear on the face, body, and genital area.
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Global Health Emergency
In 2022, the World Health Organization declared Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its rapid spread across several countries. The West African clade of Mpox, which has a lower mortality rate, is the primary strain seen in these outbreaks. The WHO advises countries to maintain vigilance and educate the public on prevention and early detection measures.
If you experience any of these symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed Mpox case, contact your nearest health facility immediately.
For suspected cases, alert the surveillance system via this link: https://t.co/YfE1EZJ5c6#MpoxAwareness pic.twitter.com/sabI0ERrww
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 9, 2024
Prevention and Control
To prevent the spread, individuals should avoid close contact with infected people and practice good hygiene. Healthcare workers are advised to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating patients. The smallpox vaccine has shown effectiveness against Monkeypox, and certain antiviral medications are being used to manage severe cases.
